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21st
Century Career Success |
by:
Michelle
Casto |
21St
Century Career Success
When it comes to modern career development,
one thing we can all count on is change.
With the advent of technology, telecommuting,
and E-commerce, how work is performed is
in a state of reinvention. Self-employment
and small business development will become
more the norm than big business. And career
changes will be more frequent due to rapidly
changing organizations and industries. Finally,
the line between one's personal and professional
life will become even more blurred. Since
the modern world of work is rapidly changing
to keep up with the demands of our fast-paced
lives and lifestyles, here are some characteristics
of what the new work contract will look
like:
§Seeking more meaning from work.
§Equating "career success" with personal
satisfaction over paycheck or status.
§Everyone will need their own "name-brand."
§Increased use of technology.
§Finding work that needs doing.
§Changing in the way management and leadership
is conducted (less arrogance at the top
level, more power on lower levels).
§Increased need for networking and self-marketing.
§Lifelong "trying on" of various roles,
jobs, and industries.
§Creating a plan that is flexible, and continually
assessing the "fit" of the work.
§Increased representation of women and minorities
in the workforce.
§Changing career fields numerous times in
a lifetime.
§Self-responsibility: Everyone knowing they
have to chart their own career direction.
However, the 21st century career also offers
many advantages:
§More career opportunities for everyone.
§Freedom to choose from a variety of jobs,
tasks, and assignments.
§More flexibility in how and where work
is performed, i.e. working from
home or telecommuting.
§More control over your own time.
§Greater opportunity to express yourself
through your work.
§Ability to shape and reshape your life's
work in accordance with your values and
interests.
§Increased opportunity to develop other
skills by working in various industries
and environments.
§Self-empowerment mindset.
§Allows you to create situations or positions
where you can fill a need in the world that
is not being filled.
§Opportunity to present yourself as an independent
contractor or vendor with services to offer.
How can you successfully navigate through
the turbulent times of change and career
uncertainty? By developing resiliency, exercising
proactivity, creating excellent self-marketing
tools, keeping your skills up-to-date, and
finding your unique life balance.
1.Develop resiliency (the ability to bounce
back).
Having the right attitude about career change
is imperative to your ability to bounce
back from setbacks, sudden changes, and
twists and turns along your career path.
You will experience a lot of career change
and transitions, so you may as well get
comfortable feeling uncomfortable.
2.Take a proactive approach to your career
development
You must constantly be on the lookout for
new ways to apply your gifts and talents
in the new economy. This requires thinking
creatively, actively promoting yourself/business,
and being actively involved in how your
career progresses. Staying involved in professional
associations, and continuous networking
are excellent ways to connect with other
like-minded professionals.
3.Create first-rate marketing materials
Always keep your resume current. You never
know when you are going to want to share
it with someone or pass it along. If you
are in business for yourself, develop classy
business cards and letterhead. Harness the
power of the internet by developing an interactive
website.
4.Commit to lifelong learning
To keep earning, keep learning. Do not wait
until you lose your job or want to look
for another position to gain new skills
or training. Recognize the need to be open
to learning and attend classes related to
your area of expertise to keep your skills
sharp and marketable. Keep in mind the top
skills needed for career success include:Communication,
Computer-knowledge, Creativity, Customer
Care
5.Find your unique life balance
There are four dimensions to life: love,
labor, leisure, learning. Remember that
work is just one aspect of your life pie.
Be sure to indulge in all of your areas.
Because having an overall balanced life
is what leads to the most fulfillment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed. is a Whole Life
Coach, Speaker, and Author of the Get
Smart! LearningBook Series: Get Smart!
About Modern Romantic Relationships and
Get Smart! About Modern Career Development.
She can be reached at coach@getsmartseries.com
Visit virtually: www.getsmartseries.com
and www.brightlightcoach.com
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